| Author: | Hoffmann, W. H. |
| Title: | Success Factors of Strategic Alliances in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises - An Empirical Survey |
| Journal: | Long Range Planning
2001 : JUN, VOL. 34:3, p. 357-382 |
| Index terms: | SUCCESS STRATEGY ALLIANCES EMPIRICAL RESEARCH |
| Language: | eng |
| Abstract: | This paper reports on the results of a questionnaire sent to SMEs in Austria with successful and unsuccessful experience of alliances. The inquiry drew from four different theories: transaction-cost, resource-based, knowledge-based and sociological approach. The findings reveal the weight that companies with successful alliances gave to certain efforts, compared with the relative importance to the variables attached by unsuccessful companies. The results also show that while "hard" factors such as strategic compatibility and appropriate corporate governance are important for alliance success, alliances should also take account of "soft" factors such as trust. The authors conclude that the unique situation of SMEs in Europe has largely been overlooked and more tools need to be developed to allow this sector to gain every benefit from today's environment. |
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